Page 19 of The Scandalous Saga of the White Lady

“Our father keeps a small apartment in Mayfair. He often goes up to London on business and I frequently accompany him. I must say, I quite enjoy London each time I have been there.”

“It certainly has its amusements, but I think I much more enjoy the country to the city.”

“Have you ever been through Dorset?”

“I have not. We went to Cornwall once for a summer holiday, but that was because of the seaside.”

“Then on your next visit to London you must return via Dorset and be our guests. It is a lovely county and I should enjoy showing you around—and your sister too, of course.”

The dance ended and, reluctantly, Christopher escorted Dorothy back to her table where Anna was seated with her glass of champagne.

“It has been a pleasure, Miss Dorothy. I hope you will save me another dance this evening?”

“I should be honored,” she said, her eyes alight before she looked down modestly.

Christopher looked closely at each of the sisters. His first attraction had been to Anna, but now he thought Dorothy the more beautiful and she had danced so sublimely.

“Miss Anna, I hope you might grant me another dance before the evening is out?”

“If you like. Perhaps after dinner.”

He nodded. “I look forward to it.” He looked at Dorothy again and bowed slightly. “Miss Dorothy.”

* * *

Maria had not danced with Percy yet, but expected to. Presently, she was conferring with Daniels about the timing for dinner.

“We are ready whenever you like, Miss Maria. But I suggest within the next half hour.”

“That sounds about right. Please call dinner in fifteen minutes. That should give everyone time to seat themselves before you serve.

“Very good, Miss Maria.”

As Daniels left, Maria scanned the room to find Percy, but her eye was caught instead by the entrance of Aunt Agatha and Mr. Oakley. They had decided to come to the dance after all. And Maria was not certain that pleased her. She went over to them.

“Aunt… Mr. Oakley, dinner will be served soon, but might I offer you some champagne before?”

Agatha was no longer dressed in her safari outfit but wore a dress with a great deal of white ruffles with black trim. She was wearing a white cap also trimmed in black, giving her the look of some exotic bird.

“Oh, my dear, champagne would be just the thing… If I could drink right out of the bottle I would, but that would no doubt scandalize your guests. And I have only been here a few hours. I think it best if I wait a few days before I disgrace myself and ruin your reputation.” She let out a hearty laugh which caught the attention of many of the guests who looked askance at the strangely plumed lady.

Agatha took Chilton by the arm and said, “Come, dear one. We need some refreshment,” and she pulled him toward the table where the champagne was being served.

Maria was wondering how she might contain her aunt when Percy came over and took her hand.

“Dearest Maria, I have been longing for a dance with you all evening, but you have to been so caught up in your hostess duties, I have not had an opportunity.”

Maria felt flustered for the first time that evening, as she desperately wanted to dance with him. “Dear Percy, I am sorry to say, it will need to wait until after dinner, as we are to invite our guests to the dining room in just a few moments.”

She reached out to take Percy’s hand, Instead, Aunt Agatha reached Percy’s hand first.

“Maria, my dear, and who is this charming gentleman?”

Percy bowed, “Percy Garvey, the heir apparent to the Crauford Dukedom. We have been neighbors and friends since we were children. And you are, Madam?”

“Agatha Livingston, but you may call me Aunt Agatha, everyone else does,” she said with a laugh.

At that moment, Daniels called dinner.